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Washington Redskins: Washington may have lost tight end Robert Royal for the remainder of the season, and tailback Trung Canidate and cornerback Fred Smoot are suffering less serious injuries that could jeopardize their availability for Sunday's game at Buffalo.

During Sunday's 35-13 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Royal may have fractured his right femur trying to block defensive end Simeon Rice on the opening possession. He said he is scheduled to undergo tests Monday, but Coach Steve Spurrier said he is prepared to turn to just-signed tight end Byron Chamberlain as his starter.

Canidate suffered what club officials described as a mild high ankle sprain. He got the ankle re-taped and walked up and down the sideline, but could not prove to the coaches and medical staff that he was well enough to play.

Backup tailback Ladell Betts also limped off the field because of a twisted ankle, but returned and ran for 37 yards on 13 carries. Betts, if healthy, likely would become the Redskins' featured runner at Buffalo if Canidate is sidelined, perhaps complemented by speedy rookie Sultan McCullough.

Smoot bruised his sternum tackling Tampa Bay wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson early in the third quarter. Smoot said his shoulder pads were compressed into his chest on the play. He returned for a few plays but could not continue and was taken to the locker room for X-rays. They showed no fractures, he said, but he could undergo further tests this week.